Hotels are great. Truly. As someone who spent most of her childhood being dragged along on family camping trips, I cannot rave enough about the comfort and convenience of hotels. No mosquitoes are buzzing around your ears as you try to fall asleep. Rainstorms won’t keep you up all night, and best of all, you don’t need a flashlight to find your way to the bathroom. It's lovely in every possible way. But aside from the comfort they offer travelers, hotels hold another kind of magic for photographers. They are incredible subjects to shoot and exciting businesses to work with.
Hotels usually don’t require much additional styling. They’re already beautiful and thoughtfully designed. From perfectly arranged furniture to thoughtfully placed art and stylish lighting fixtures, they often come prepped for the camera. They seem to always have whatever you could need for a shoot—ladders, extra napkins, random decorative pieces—and the textures, layouts, and color palettes offer variety and character. Still, there are aspects of hotel photography that can be tricky, from dealing with odd lighting to working in tight spaces, but they’re far from impossible. Over time, I’ve learned how to navigate the nuances of photographing hotels in a way that brings out their best.
This series will explore everything I’ve learned over the years, broken down into seven core tips. We’ll explore the importance of pre-shoot coordination, how to handle small or awkward spaces, lighting control techniques, capturing image variety, understanding policies about photographing guests, aligning with client needs, and the value of research. Each section will dive deep into not just what to do but why it matters and how to make it work for your creative goals and the hotel's brand.
Why Coordination is Key in Hotel Photography
When preparing for a hotel photo shoot, one of the most important things you can do is coordinate ahead of time. This might sound basic, but I promise, it makes all the difference. Hotels are generally easy to get in touch with. There’s almost always someone at the front desk, and they’re usually ready to redirect you to the appropriate department, whether it’s PR, marketing, or management. Because of that, there’s no excuse not to reach out in advance and explain your intent.
Most of the time, I coordinate photo shoots for editorial work. Sometimes, I reach out because I’ve come across a hotel that’s just begging to be photographed, and I think I can find editorial placement for it down the line. That situation benefits both me and the hotel. It's not unusual to work this way, which is why I was shocked when I once came across a blog post by someone who snuck into a suite, took a few quick photos for content, and was kicked out. That approach isn’t just unprofessional; it undermines the respectful collaboration that photographers and businesses should aim for.
If you want to photograph a hotel, the right thing to do is to get in touch and ask. If the hotel lists a PR contact, start there. If not, calling the front desk and explaining what you’re doing is usually a great first step. Ask if they can connect you with someone in marketing or public relations. From there, be as clear and specific as possible in your request. Outline who you are, what publication or platform you're shooting for, how long the shoot will take, and which areas of the hotel you want to access. Offer a few different dates and time windows that could work.
In my earlier professional experiences, especially when I was working with a restaurant group, I occasionally handled incoming photography or influencer requests. The most frustrating ones were vague or made it feel like the burden of planning was entirely on me. Avoid doing that. Be direct. Be kind, yes, but also be precise. The easier you make it for someone to say yes, the better your chances of getting that access.
If you’re asking to take photos for your blog, website, or social media, be courteous and offer key metrics like follower count or examples of previous coverage. Let them know if you’ll be tagging or crediting them, and whether they’ll be able to use the images afterward. Being upfront about deliverables makes the decision process much smoother for hotel staff, and it positions you as a reliable, professional partner.
Navigating Tight and Challenging Spaces
Once everything is arranged and you arrive at the hotel for your shoot, be prepared for a variety of challenging spaces. Hotel photography is full of surprises. Some rooms are light and airy with high ceilings and beautiful window views. Others are small, dimly lit, or full of reflective surfaces. Bathrooms, in particular, are often one of the hardest places to photograph well. They’re usually tight. Natural light is limited. Mirrors, glass, and shiny tiles are everywhere. All of these create complications from reflections to awkward angles to poor color rendering.
I’ve worked on interior photography projects for years and can confidently say that bathrooms remain one of the toughest environments to shoot. To this day, I haven’t fully cracked the code for small hotel bathrooms. My best approach is usually a tripod and a delayed shutter. I’ll frame the shot, set the timer, and quickly step out of the frame so I’m not reflected anywhere. It’s a basic trick, but in small spaces, every little bit of control helps. That said, you’ll often find that there’s no perfect shot. There are always compromises between angles, lighting, reflections, and limited working room. You do what you can.
On the plus side, many publications and clients don’t even request bathroom images. So, depending on your end goal, you might be able to skip that challenge entirely. If you are required to get those shots, go in knowing that it may take longer than expected, and it might not be perfect. Bring patience and try not to get frustrated. Remember, sometimes a photo doesn’t need to be flawless to do its job—it just needs to feel real, clean, and representative of the space.
Tight guest rooms can also be tricky. In some cases, moving furniture slightly can help with composition, but be careful not to disrupt the styling too much. It’s a fine balance between adjusting for the camera and maintaining the hotel’s original design vision. In smaller spaces, wide-angle lenses can be helpful, but don’t go too wide. Extreme wide-angle distortion can make a room look unrealistic or stretched, which does more harm than good. Try to shoot from the corners of the room, get low or high depending on the angle, and think creatively about your positioning.
Lighting Challenges and Post-Processing Solutions
Lighting is a major challenge in hotel photography. While natural light is ideal, it's not always available or consistent across the property. Rooms may be unevenly lit. Some may be flooded with daylight while others are dark even in the middle of the afternoon. Artificial lighting, especially overhead fixtures and lamps, can add warmth but often brings a harsh yellow tone that doesn’t play well with camera sensors. It’s easy to end up with flat, dull images that lack clarity and balance.
Over time, I’ve developed a strategy that helps me navigate difficult lighting conditions. If I’m dealing with a space that has both artificial and natural light, I’ll take two versions of the same photo—one with all the room lights turned off, and one with all of them turned on. Both versions are taken from a tripod, in the same position and settings. Later, during post-processing, I blend the two images. This allows me to maintain some of the natural brightness while preserving the warm ambiance from the artificial light sources. The blend helps the room feel realistic and lived-in, while still balanced and visually appealing.
What I don’t recommend is converting poorly lit color images into black and white as a workaround. While that might work for other kinds of photography, hotel images are meant to showcase color, design, and ambiance. Clients want to see the textures of the linens, the warm tones of the wood, and the color palette of the interior design. Turning a photo black and white strips away those storytelling elements. So, it’s worth taking the extra time to get the lighting right, whether that means adjusting window curtains to control natural light, using bounce cards or reflectors, or doing multiple exposures for post-production compositing.
Another tip: avoid using your camera’s built-in flash. It creates harsh shadows, unnatural light spots, and reflections that are nearly impossible to remove later. If you need additional light, try continuous soft lights or off-camera flashes with diffusers. But often, patience and timing are better than equipment. Shooting during golden hour, adjusting blinds, or even waiting for cloud cover to diffuse sunlight can be more effective than artificial lighting.
In every case, the goal is to create an image that reflects the real-world feel of the space. You want your viewer to look at the photo and imagine themselves there, not question whether the colors or lighting are exaggerated. Finding that balance is one of the most important skills in hotel photography.
Creating Variety in Your Photo Set
When photographing a hotel, it’s tempting to stick to the same setup once you’ve found an angle or composition that works. But a gallery filled with images taken from the same focal length and distance can feel repetitive and uninspired. A strong hotel photo set includes a mix of wide, medium, and close-up shots that together tell a fuller story. A visually dynamic collection not only keeps the viewer engaged but also allows editors and clients more flexibility when selecting images for different uses.
Begin by capturing the larger picture. These are the wide-angle shots that establish the layout and design of the room, the lobby, or the suite. They show the viewer how the space fits together and create context. From there, work your way in. Get mid-range shots that focus on furniture groupings, a stylish corner, or an inviting reading nook. Then, move in closer and focus on the details. These could be anything from embroidered pillows to a vintage light switch or the texture of a headboard. These images add texture and intimacy to the set, giving personality and nuance to your shoot.
While you're walking through the hotel, don’t hesitate to ask staff if there are any unique objects or backstories behind certain design elements. Often, there are thoughtful details hidden in plain sight—locally sourced materials, antiques with regional significance, or custom artwork from local creators. Those types of objects make for great storytelling images and show an editorial eye.
Window views also provide an excellent opportunity to capture the hotel’s sense of place. If the view includes a city skyline, beach, or scenic mountain range, include at least one image that shows the view from within the room. Framing the window through curtains or architectural elements can add dimension. Don’t just shoot straight out the window; consider how the view interacts with the interior. A photograph that blends interior warmth with an inviting exterior can make a strong emotional impression.
Lighting once again plays a role here. Detail shots often benefit from directional light that creates shadows and highlights. Don’t be afraid to move a lamp slightly or adjust blinds to create the right atmosphere for those intimate frames. Unlike wide shots, which often benefit from even lighting, your close-ups can have more dramatic contrast to emphasize texture and mood.
Another way to introduce variety is through composition. Try shooting from above, especially when photographing tablescapes or bed setups. Alternatively, get low to the ground and shoot upward for an interesting architectural angle. Play with symmetry, or intentionally break it to create tension. Each room or space you photograph will offer its possibilities. The goal is to capture both the overall design and the smaller elements that bring it to life.
Photographing Guests and Privacy Considerations
Hotels are, at their core, places where people relax, sleep, and go about personal routines. Because of this, there are unique ethical and logistical challenges around photographing guests. Each hotel has its specific policy. Some are open to photographing people as part of the ambiance, especially in public spaces like the lobby or restaurant. Others discourage it or outright prohibit it to protect guest privacy. It’s essential to ask in advance and respect whatever policy they’ve set.
In my experience, hotels in Asia tend to be particularly strict about guest privacy and do not permit photography of people without formal arrangements. Even in countries or regions where policies are more flexible, it’s a good rule of thumb to avoid photographing anyone without consent. The only exception would be a scene that is entirely candid and in a very public area—but even then, discretion is key.
If the client or publication specifically wants images that show the hotel being lively or full of activity, but you aren’t allowed to photograph guests, it can be a frustrating situation. You may be expected to deliver a sense of vibrancy while working within privacy constraints. In these cases, you might suggest using models or staging with staff members. Occasionally, hotels will arrange for a few employees or friends to stand in as guests, giving you the ability to create lifestyle images without compromising privacy rules.
When photographing people, even if it’s just one person reading in a lobby chair or someone ordering a drink at the bar, make sure you’ve got written permission. Model release forms are not only standard practice but also protect you and your client legally. If the photos are going to be used commercially or in print, releases are required.
You should also think about how you visually include people. Don’t make them the central focus unless that’s the specific goal. In hotel photography, people are usually there to add a sense of scale or warmth, not to draw attention away from the setting. Think silhouettes, soft focus, or partial framing. A hand on a doorknob, the edge of a foot on a balcony, or someone walking away from the camera can evoke presence and movement without becoming the subject.
Finally, always be courteous to hotel guests even when you're allowed to photograph in shared areas. If someone looks uncomfortable or moves away when you lift your camera, respect that. Creating a calm and respectful atmosphere is part of being a professional photographer.
Tailoring Your Work to the Client’s Vision
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned about hotel photography is that no two clients want the same thing. That might sound obvious, but it’s a trap that photographers often fall into. You get into a groove with your style or assume that the last successful shoot will work as a template for the next. But while the technical aspects may remain consistent, the creative direction must adapt with each job.
In food photography, most clients want the same thing: delicious, beautiful-looking food. There may be differences in color grading or plating style, but the target is generally the same. In hotel photography, the spectrum of expectations is much broader. Some clients are looking for clean, architectural-style photography that highlights lines, space, and symmetry. Others want something more narrative—a set of lifestyle images that show what it feels like to stay at their property.
That difference in approach can drastically change how you shoot. A client looking for architectural shots will expect straight lines, deep focus, and minimal distortion. You’ll need to be precise with your tripod placement and likely shoot at smaller apertures to get everything in focus. Your edits will need to reflect true-to-life colors and keep everything neutral and balanced.
By contrast, a client who wants lifestyle photography will expect warmth, intimacy, and storytelling. That might mean shooting handheld, embracing a bit of motion blur, or focusing on cozy vignettes instead of wide rooms. Your lighting might be softer. Your color tones might lean warmer. You may use a shallower depth of field to direct attention to key details.
Before any shoot, it’s crucial to get clarity on the client’s goals. Ask them what kind of images they’re hoping for. Request examples of photos they like. Understand how the photos will be used—on social media, in brochures, on booking sites, or in print ads. Each platform has its own set of needs in terms of resolution, aspect ratio, and mood. The more information you can gather, the better your shoot will go.
Also, remember that the brand’s identity should influence your edit. A high-end boutique hotel might lean into moody shadows and elegant tones. A family-friendly resort might prefer bright, vibrant colors and playful compositions. An urban hotel aimed at business travelers might want sharp, minimalist images. Each shoot should be tailored not just to the physical space, but to the emotional experience the hotel is offering its guests.
Your job as a photographer is to understand that nuance and bring it to life. It’s not just about taking beautiful photos. It’s about delivering images that align with the client’s goals, tone, and audience. That kind of thoughtful collaboration is what leads to strong relationships and future work.
The Role of Research in Hotel Photography
Research plays a bigger role in hotel photography than many people realize. While it’s entirely possible to arrive at a location and shoot based on instinct, experience has taught me that investing time in research leads to stronger, more intentional images. This is especially true when you're photographing properties for editorial purposes or high-profile clients who expect a specific look and feel. In the world of hotel photography, walking in blind often leads to missed opportunities and redundant results.
The research process can take several forms. It usually starts with studying the hotel’s online presence. Their social media pages, online listings, and press images provide a baseline understanding of what they want to project. You can get a feel for their branding, color palette, and areas of emphasis. For example, some hotels prioritize showcasing their food and beverage offerings. Others put heavy emphasis on spa facilities or rooftop spaces. Pay attention to the visual hierarchy they’ve already established. This can help guide your priorities when planning your shoot.
The next step is to look beyond the hotel’s content. Search for articles, blog posts, or previous photography of the property. The goal here is not to copy those images but to identify what’s already been done. Knowing what’s common allows you to avoid repetition. If every photographer has taken the same shot of the lobby from a particular angle, your goal should be to find a different perspective. Researching previous coverage allows you to bring something new to the table and create images that stand out rather than blend in.
At the same time, try not to get too lost in what others have done. There is a balance between being informed and being influenced. It’s easy to absorb someone else’s visual language and unintentionally replicate it. That’s why I often approach research in stages. First, I absorb what I can. Then, I put it aside. I focus on creating my own story and approach, even if it means stepping away from the screen for a day before the shoot. Let the research shape your awareness, but don’t let it constrain your creativity.
Another important part of research is understanding the location of the hotel within its broader environment. Is it in a historic district? Is it surrounded by mountains, the ocean, or the skyline? Contextual shots can add narrative to your image set. Including architectural details that reflect the neighborhood’s character or incorporating outdoor elements helps tell the story of the hotel as part of its environment. It gives the viewer a sense of place, and that’s something no amount of interior styling can replace.
Research also prepares you for logistical realities. You can find out whether the hotel tends to be crowded at certain times of day, which may affect how easily you can photograph common spaces. You can learn if the hotel hosts events or tours, which might interfere with your planned shoot windows. Knowing these things ahead of time helps you create a realistic schedule and avoid surprises that could throw off your workflow.
Finally, include technical research in your process. Look at the weather forecast, sunrise and sunset times, and how sunlight will enter specific rooms. This is particularly useful if you plan to photograph at golden hour or want to avoid harsh lighting in the middle of the day. Research is not just about visuals. It’s about creating a shooting strategy that allows you to be efficient, respectful, and responsive to the realities of the space you’re working in.
Finding and Creating Original Angles
In hotel photography, as in most commercial photography, there’s a constant tension between consistency and originality. Clients want images that feel familiar and polished but also fresh and unique. They want their property to look better than the competition but still align with industry norms and expectations. That leaves the photographer in a delicate position, needing to produce images that meet these opposing goals. One of the best ways to do this is by finding and creating original angles.
This doesn’t always mean a literal new angle with your camera. Sometimes it means approaching the space differently. It could be as simple as choosing a different focal point or capturing how light hits the wall in the late afternoon. It might mean focusing on a quiet hallway, a staircase that’s often ignored, or the reflection of a chandelier in a marble floor. These small discoveries create moments of surprise in an image set and give editors and art directors something they haven’t seen before.
One of the techniques I use is walking through a space twice before taking any photographs. The first time, I walked through just to look. I take note of how the rooms connect, where the natural light is strongest, and what features immediately draw the eye. I notice colors, textures, and how each room flows into the next. The second time, I bring out the camera and begin experimenting with framing. That process of pausing and observing before diving in helps me see opportunities that I might miss if I just jumped into shooting.
Another tactic is to vary your height and distance from your subject. Most photographers shoot from standing height because it’s easy and fast. But some of the most compelling images come from kneeling or getting above eye level. Photographing a room from a low angle can emphasize furniture and create a more dramatic foreground. Shooting from a higher perspective can flatten out the image and provide clarity in the layout. These changes in vantage point can completely alter how a space is perceived and can introduce new lines and shapes into the composition.
Also, look for unexpected contrasts. Maybe the modern chair is placed next to a classic wood-paneled wall. Maybe the bold color of a throw blanket on a neutral bedspread. These small visual contrasts make an image more engaging. Don’t be afraid to photograph asymmetry or embrace imperfection. A slightly crooked rug or a wrinkled curtain might not be what you'd expect in a traditional interior photo, but it can make the image feel more human and lived-in.
Editing is also part of creating original work. Rather than relying on preset filters or trending color grades, try to develop your post-processing style that aligns with the mood of the property but also reflects your artistic voice. Editing decisions around color, contrast, and exposure can either elevate or flatten the originality of your images. Subtle shifts in white balance or highlight retention can completely change the mood of a photo.
Finally, remember that originality isn’t always flashy. Sometimes it’s found in restraint. Choosing not to overshoot, or intentionally leaving a little negative space, can result in images that feel clean and editorial. Sometimes the originality comes from showing what you leave out. Be thoughtful in your framing and intentional in your timing. Wait for the light to hit just right. Wait for a breeze to move the curtain. Wait for the quiet moment that feels authentic.
Evolving as a Hotel Photographer
Hotel photography is a discipline that rewards both precision and patience. While it might begin as a single assignment or collaboration, over time it becomes a craft—a way of seeing. It’s about more than taking photos of a room or building. It’s about telling a story of how people interact with space, how comfort is designed, and how mood is created through color, layout, and light. As your body of work grows, so will your understanding of what makes a great hotel photograph and what makes you unique as a photographer.
One of the most important things you can do in the long run is pay attention to what you’re naturally drawn to. You might find yourself constantly photographing reflections, textures, corners, or shadow patterns. These small instincts are clues about your visual identity. The more you notice them, the more intentional you can become about using them. Over time, you’ll develop a style that clients come to recognize and trust—not just because your work is technically strong, but because it feels consistent and emotionally resonant.
This process requires a level of self-awareness and ongoing reflection. After each shoot, take time to review your images with a critical eye. Ask yourself which shots feel strongest and why. Was it the lighting? The angle? The emotion it captured? At the same time, be honest about what didn’t work. Were there missed opportunities? Was the composition too busy? Were there distractions in the frame that you could have avoided? This kind of self-assessment helps you refine your process and make more confident, creative choices in the future.
One of the challenges of photographing hotels is that it can become repetitive if you’re not careful. Every shoot involves similar elements—beds, windows, bathrooms, lobbies, hallways. Without a sense of purpose or fresh curiosity, it’s easy to fall into visual habits and produce work that feels flat. That’s why it’s so important to approach each shoot with the mindset that this hotel is different. The people who designed it made specific choices. The people who stay there have unique experiences. Your job is to find what sets it apart and bring that forward in your photos.
Another part of evolving as a photographer is learning how to collaborate effectively. Every hotel project involves multiple people—PR teams, managers, marketing departments, sometimes stylists or creative directors. Each person has a different vision and different expectations. Learning how to listen, ask questions, and respond with clarity is just as important as your technical skills. You’re not just delivering files. You’re building a reputation. People remember how easy you were to work with, how thoughtful you were with their space, and how professional you were in your communication.
As your career grows, you’ll find that repeat clients become your best asset. Building long-term relationships means more consistent work and greater creative freedom. When a client trusts you, they’re more likely to let you experiment, take creative risks, and explore new directions. They might ask you to photograph new properties as they open or revisit spaces to reflect seasonal changes. That kind of ongoing collaboration is one of the most rewarding parts of hotel photography.
The Importance of Patience and Flexibility
Great hotel photography rarely happens on a strict timeline. Rooms may not be ready on schedule. Light may not cooperate. Props may be missing. Sometimes you wait half an hour for the sun to hit the floor just right. Sometimes you wait for a cloud to move so your exposure is even. This kind of work requires flexibility. You need to be able to adjust your plan, reframe your expectations, and keep working with care even when things don’t go smoothly.
There are also situations where what you hoped would be a hero shot just doesn’t come together. Maybe the view isn’t as clear as expected. Maybe the decor has changed since you saw reference photos. Maybe the space feels smaller than you imagined. These moments are part of the process. Rather than getting frustrated, use them as creative challenges. What else can you highlight? What unexpected angle can you try? What moment can you create with the available light? Flexibility doesn’t mean settling. It means adapting in ways that keep the integrity of your work intact.
Patience is also crucial in post-production. Editing hotel photos is often more subtle and time-consuming than people expect. You’re not just making the room look bright. You’re removing distractions, balancing color temperatures, correcting lens distortion, and making small adjustments to exposure and contrast to bring the image into harmony. It’s detailed work, and rushing it shows. Over time, you’ll learn which edits make a big impact and which ones are unnecessary. That discernment is part of growing into the craft.
And while you're working through all these small decisions, it’s important to stay connected to your larger purpose. You’re not just photographing furniture or spaces. You’re showing someone what it might feel like to arrive at a new place and feel instantly welcome. You’re giving visual form to the idea of hospitality. That’s a powerful thing to contribute to.
Thinking Long-Term About Your Portfolio
If you plan to pursue hotel photography seriously, it’s helpful to think about your portfolio as an evolving story rather than a static collection. Each new shoot should build on the last and push your skills in a slightly new direction. Over time, your work should show a range of properties, lighting conditions, styles, and types of images. You want potential clients to be able to look at your portfolio and immediately understand your aesthetic, your technical ability, and your creative range.
Curate with intention. Not every image you take needs to be shared. Choose the ones that best represent how you see space, how you use light, and how you compose a scene. Include wide shots and close-ups. Include rooms, amenities, and unique details. Keep your presentation clean and consistent. Remember that potential clients aren’t just looking for beautiful images. They’re looking for someone who understands storytelling, brand alignment, and hospitality as a visual language.
Your portfolio is also where you can take small creative risks. Maybe you shoot a set of images in a slightly darker, moodier style than usual. Maybe you experiment with minimalism or color blocking. These subtle shifts show that you’re capable of growth and not limited to one approach. A well-balanced portfolio tells a client that you can adapt while still delivering results.
As you build your body of work, it also helps to revisit older shoots and re-edit them with fresh eyes. Sometimes, with distance and improved skills, you’ll find new value in images you once overlooked. Other times, you’ll realize certain images no longer reflect your current direction and can be removed. This ongoing maintenance keeps your portfolio relevant and aligned with your creative evolution.
Conclusion
Photographing hotels is a discipline that blends creativity with practicality, art with hospitality, and vision with collaboration. It challenges you to think deeply about space, light, and mood, while also requiring you to plan thoroughly, communicate clearly, and adapt quickly. From the early stages of research and coordination to the final edits delivered to a client, every part of the process offers opportunities to refine your craft and deepen your understanding of visual storytelling.
Along the way, you’ll face limitations—tight rooms, difficult lighting, scheduling delays—but each one teaches you how to work smarter, not just harder. You’ll learn that originality doesn’t come from doing something loud or dramatic, but from noticing the subtle differences that others overlook. You’ll understand that even in the most polished environments, authenticity and clarity are what connect most with viewers.
Hotel photography isn’t just about beautiful images. It’s about showing someone what it might feel like to wake up in a new city, open the curtains, and see the world differently. It’s about translating experience into visual form. Whether you’re working with boutique hotels, luxury resorts, or urban escapes, your role as a photographer is to highlight not just the physical features of a place, but the emotions and stories that live within it.
If you approach this work with thoughtfulness, respect, and attention to detail, it can be both creatively fulfilling and professionally sustainable. Over time, you won’t just become better at taking photos. You’ll become more fluent in the language of space, design, and comfort. And that fluency will allow you to create images that are not only technically strong but emotionally resonant, impactful, and remembered.